The Dallas Cowboys opened the 2026 offseason with a major move. Retaining Javonte Williams for the next three years was the first major domino to fall, leaving time to tell what sorts of moves America's Team will have in store for the next offseason transaction.
As all eyes are set on George Pickens' imminent franchise-tag decision, kicker Brandon Aubrey is also trying to get his money. According to ESPN insider Todd Archer, there's a big gap between what the Cowboys are offering him and what his camp wants:
"The Cowboys have offered a deal for Aubrey that is more than the league-high $6.4 million average per season for Kansas City's Harrison Butker, sources told ESPN. However, Aubrey's agent, Todd France, has asked for a deal closer to $10 million per season, according to sources."Todd Archer, ESPN
Locking down Aubrey must be a priority, but only if the price is right. Having said that, given the Cowboys' financial situation, putting more time and effort into negotiations won't be in owner/general manager Jerry Jones' best interest this offseason.
Cowboys Must Act Quickly with Brandon Aubrey
Even though both parties reportedly agree that Aubrey should be the highest-paid kicker in the league, the gap is too wide right now. According to OverTheCap, the Cowboys are a whopping $55.35 million over the salary cap, so every penny will count. That's why they can't afford to keep beating around the bush with a kicker.
Yes, Aubrey is probably the best kicker in the game right now, but he's a kicker nonetheless. This team has way too many issues to address to spend that much time and energy trying to get a deal done with him. They need to get this over with and move on, so they know how much money they can spend in other positions.
Jones will probably use a second-round tender on him. That would pay him $5.8 million for next season. They can also use the right-of-first-refusal tender, but they wouldn't get a compensatory pick if they choose not to match any offer he gets in free agency.
That solution would keep Aubrey on the team for at least another season, giving the Cowboys a chance to either negotiate another deal or use the franchise tag on him in 2027. Whatever the case, they must act fast.
Aubrey has earned his money. He's the first kicker in NFL history to convert three field goals from 55-plus yards in a single game, and he's coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection and holds the record for the most 60-plus yard field goals in NFL history (6).
Still, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and the Cowboys still need to revamp the defense, figure out a way to keep Pickens happy, and address the looming question marks in the secondary. That'll be harder to do if Aubrey is chasing a number Dallas can't afford, highlighting the need to solve this situation as soon as possible.